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Published on: September 15, 2017
A case of adrenal insufficiency during multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children
Fatih Kilci1, Ayşe Filiz Yetimakman2, Jeremy Huw Jones3
1Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Kocaeli University School of Medicine, Kocaeli, Turkey.
Insights
Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) can impact the endocrine system. COVID-19 may cause adrenal insufficiency, potentially impairing cortisol dynamics and increasing patient morbidity.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a serious condition linked to COVID-19.
- Limited data exists on COVID-19's impact on the pediatric endocrine system.
- Understanding these effects is crucial for managing post-COVID complications.
Observation:
- An 11-year-old boy presented with MIS-C symptoms following a COVID-19 infection.
- The patient developed severe hyponatremia, hypotension, and tachycardia.
- Initial treatment involved glucocorticoids, followed by hydrocortisone for adrenal insufficiency.
Findings:
- The patient exhibited adrenal insufficiency after COVID-19 infection.
- Cortisol dynamics were significantly affected, with no recovery of adrenal axis function after four months.
- This suggests a potential for impaired adrenocortical response in pediatric COVID-19 cases.
Implications:
- COVID-19 may lead to prolonged adrenal insufficiency in children.
- Impaired cortisol dynamics could increase morbidity and mortality in affected children.
- Further research is needed to explore the long-term endocrine consequences of COVID-19 in pediatric populations.
Abstract:
Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a disease related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Although the effects of COVID-19 on many systems are known, there is limited data regarding its effects on the endocrine system. This study aimed to discuss the effect of COVID-19 on cortisol dynamics in a patient who developed adrenal insufficiency after COVID-19 infection. An 11-yr-old boy with polymerase chain reaction-proven COVID-19 one month previously was referred with a five-day history of fever, vomiting, and rash. On admission, he had hypotension, tachycardia, and severe hyponatremia. After the evaluation, he was diagnosed with MIS-C and glucocorticoid therapy was initiated. During follow-up, the patient experienced adrenal insufficiency, and hydrocortisone treatment was initiated at a crisis dose. Four months later, the adrenal axis function had not recovered. The adrenocortical response in COVID-19 patients may be significantly impaired, resulting in increased mortality or morbidity.
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